You often see me post these workouts. These are an example of a HIIT workout….which simply means a “High Intensity Interval Training.” CrossFit uses HIIT as part of their programming.

Many people do not understand the why behind HIIT. HIIT is a quick workout that you go all out (give max effort), usually with intense bursts of exercise, followed by short (sometimes active) recovery periods.

WHY is this a good thing? Because this type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time. This type of workout increases the body’s need for oxygen during the effort and creates an oxygen shortage, causing your body to ask for more oxygen during recovery. Once the workout is completed you enter an Excess Post-Exercise Consumption Period (aka the after-burn) which allows the body to continue to burn more fat and calories even after the workout is complete (this is especially true when compared to aerobic activities like running). #win

So what does this really mean!?!?! It means that if done properly you are using the HIIT workouts to speed your metabolism rate…..which translates that you can continue to burn calories up to 48hours after you have completed the workout. HOW COOL IS THAT???

Other “perks” to doing HIIT programs are: it’s quick and convenient. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym or hours running to burn the calories you want. And you can do this anywhere (hotel, home, backyard, on the beach, etc..). You don’t have to have weights to do it, either. *With that being said, the more you train and the more you advance, adding weight makes it that much more beneficial (more after burn of calories and builds strength, too).

However, IF you are a beginner….you do not want to immediately dive into a HIIT workout with great intensity (not yet). Instead, all beginners must simply do the movements at their own pace but focus more on the doing the movements correctly and with the correct range of motion. You’re still benefiting from the workout. But know that this part takes a little practice and time. It is very important that you do not push too hard, too fast ….as this will only lead to injuries and set backs.

For intermediate and advanced athletes: your task is to push yourself. The more you put into the workout, the more you will get out of it.

If you are interested in learning more or starting your own personalized workout, please contact me.